FAIRMONT– During the Aug. 13 primary election, some residents in Martin County will have the opportunity to narrow down the field of candidates for the District 1 and District 5 county commissioner seat. Each will be narrowed from three candidates to two, which will then appear on the Nov. 5 general election ballot.

District 1 covers the cities of Fairmont (Ward 4- Precinct 2), Granada and Truman and the townships of Center Creek, East Chain, Fairmont, Nashville, Pleasant Prairie and Westford.

The seat has been held by Elliot Belgrade since 2012, but he is not seeking re-election. Those in the running include Brad Buhmann, Micheal Anderson and Kevin Kristenson.

Buhman was born and raised in Fairmont and has been a life-long Martin County resident.

Anderson grew up in nearby Blue Earth and after attending college at Minnesota State University-Mankato, he moved to Martin County in 2000.

Kristenson was born and raised in Motley, Minnesota and moved to the East Chain/Granada area in 1984 and has been there ever since.

As for personal and professional community involvement, Buhmann has experience with the Truman Police Department and served for 27 years with the Fairmont Police Department. While there he had the opportunity to establish successful programs like Shop with a Cop and Cops and Bobbers.

Buhmann still works with the Fairmont Police Department as a Community Service Officer.

He has also been a member of the Truman School Board and is currently president of the Lakeside Cemetery Association and a volunteer at Twelve Baskets.

Anderson has been employed with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office since 2000 and currently serves as Sergeant. Outside of work, he been involved with coaching youth sports including CER football and youth hockey. He is a DNR certified instructor where he teaches youth safety ATV and snowmobile classes.

Kristenson taught for 37 years in the East Chain, Granada-Huntley-East Chain and Fairmont Area School districts. He was also a coach for 25 years, a 4H volunteer and has been in other church leadership groups and various committees.

Lastly, Kristenson has been a grain and livestock farmer in the East Chain area for over 30 years.

When asked why they’re running for a county commissioner seat, Buhmann said, “I would like to represent my community in the development of long-range solutions to prevailing issues.”

He believes he would be a good fit because he has the desire and experience to continue in public service and remain a loyal supporter of community growth.

As Anderson looks to retire from law enforcement, he still has a desire to continue to serve the citizens of Martin County which is why he’s running for a seat.

“I believe my experience and knowledge, as well as the relationships I’ve gained are invaluable assets that can carry over on to the Board of Commissioners,” Anderson said.

Kristenson said he’s interested because he believes a person with a farming background is needed to represent Martin County.

“Agriculture is important to our county and a huge driver of our local economy. As the farm economy goes, so does our county economy go. With my teaching and farming experience, I understand many different areas that are important to the people of our county,” Kristenson said.

When asked what his top areas of focus would be as a commissioner, Buhmann said that he would target the promotion of industry to bring growth and stability to the community

“The budget is a very important area of focus for me as we are experiencing economic instability because of inflation and higher costs of living… Recently it was reveled that a substantial tax levy has been proposed. The effect that this would have on our residents has the potential to be devastating. I am committed to the financial wellbeing of our community…,” Buhmann said.

Anderson said he would focus on the need to improve the local economy, job market and housing needs and that he believes the county needs to work with local cities, businesses and other stakeholders to promote economic growth.

“The proposed ‘new’ jail has been a question for every candidate for over how many of the past elections. The failure to make a decision over the last 16 years or more could possibly cost taxpayers an estimated additional $30-$40 million. This is why I believe we need strong leaders who must be willing to make the right decisions when needed,” Anderson said.

“My focus, if elected, is how do we make Martin County a better place to live,” said Kristenson. “How do we make this area a better place for families, businesses, agriculture and everyone who lives here.”

District 5 covers the cities of Fairmont (Ward 4- Precinct 1), Northrop, Ormsby and Trimont and the townships of Cedar, Elm Creek, Fox, Fraser, Galena, Rutland and Waverly.

Steve Flohrs has held the seat since 2013 but he is not seeking re-election. Those in the running include Billeye Rabbe, Tiffany Nelson and Tyler Ask.

Rabbe is a lifelong resident of rural Martin County and noted that she raised two daughters here.

Nelson is a Truman High School graduate, long-time landowner in Trimont and life-long resident of Martin County.

Ask has lived in the Trimont area with his family for his entire life.

When it comes to professional and personal community involvement, Rabbe worked as the Director of Prairieland and Solid Waste Coordinator for Martin County. She has also served as a supervisor on the Rutland Township Board for 18 years, as a Treasurer and member of the United Township Co-Op Fire Association and as Chair of the Martin County Township Association.

Nelson has been on the Dollars for Scholars committee at the Martin County West School District, a volunteer for her local 4-H Club and at the Martin County Fair. She is also a member of the Fairmont Saddle Club where she enjoys encouraging young people to have strength and confidence.

Ask is an elected official for the Martin County Soil and Water Conservation District and serves on several committees such as Greater Blue Earth River Basin Alliance and the Watonwan River Watershed 1W1P.

Rabbe said her decision to run for a seat stems from a lifelong commitment to serving and improving the county and that with her experience in local governance and community involvement, she has an understanding of the issues and opportunities facing Martin County.

“I believe I’m the best fit for this position because of my ability to listen to and collaborate with residents from all walks of life,” Rabbe said.

Nelson was motivated to get involved with community issues and to be an inspiration for her children and grandchildren.

“I will uphold integrity, practicality and honesty while making clear judgements for taxpayers,” Nelson said.

Ask said that through his involvement with SWCD he has learned the nuts and bolt of

government and how different programs benefit the environment and the people.

“I would like to take my experience to the next level,” Ask said.

If elected, Rabbe’s top areas of focus as a commissioner would be fiscal responsibility, public safety and infrastructure, supporting agriculture and local businesses and community engagement and services.

“My goal is to work collaboratively with fellow commissioners and the community to address these and other issues, always with a focus on serving the best interests of Martin County,” Rabbe said.

Nelson said that she would focus on infrastructure, finances and agriculture while protecting the balance of natural and human resources.

“I want to see individuals succeed and the community thrive,” Nelson said.

Working together with the other commissioners to keep the budget without large levys is what Ask would focus on, along with continuing to improve roads and bridges and overall considering what’s best for the citizens of Martin County.

The District 3 seat, which covers most of Fairmont including Ward 1-Precint 1 and 2 and Ward 2- Precinct 1, is also open as Kathy Smith is not seeking re-election. Smith has held the seat since 2015. Joe Loughmiller and Michael Schutz are vying for that seat but will not appear on the primary election ballot, just the general election ballot.